media-releases

Victorian Students To Benefit From $5 Billion Defence Deal

February 18, 2018

Victorian university students will get hands on experience working on Australia’s largest ever land military vehicle procurement program if BAE Systems Australia secures the $5 billion LAND 400 contract.

Acting Minister for Trade and Investment Ben Carroll today joined BAE Systems Australia CEO Gabby Costigan and University of Melbourne Vice Chancellor Glyn Davis to announce a new Memorandum of Understanding between BAE Systems Australia and the University of Melbourne.

The agreement will see students from the University of Melbourne gain access to equipment, data and testing facilities at the future BAE Systems Fishermans Bend facility – setting them up for future success.

The Andrews Labor Government purchased the General Motors Holden site in Fishermans Bend in 2016 and is transforming it into a new precinct of excellence for advanced manufacturing, design and engineering.

Fishermans Bend will be the base for BAE to deliver 225 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles to the Australian Army, should they be successful in securing the contract.

Fishermans Bend will also be home to The University of Melbourne’s new School of Engineering campus – set to open in the early 2020s – providing world-class facilities for over 1,000 engineering and IT students and academics.

Victoria is the home of manufacturing in Australia, recording 12 consecutive months of growth in manufacturing – the longest run of expansion since 2003 – despite the closure of automotive manufacturing.

The defence sector alone is worth $8 billion to the local economy every year, and is made up of about 20,000 workers and more than 400 businesses.

If BAE Systems is awarded the LAND 400 contract, it would add close to $1 billion to our economy and create up to 2,000 manufacturing and supply chain jobs, providing valuable opportunities for ex-automotive industry workers.

“Victoria has the proven experience and the skills needed to build these vehicles and keep our troops safe.”

“This MoU between BAE Systems Australia and the University of Melbourne is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn and gain hands-on experience on this massive project.”

Quote attributable to BAE Systems Australia CEO Gabby Costigan

“BAE Systems provides some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions and by partnering with universities we will enable students to leverage our world-class expertise and build the skilled workforce for the future. We hope that many Australian students will also benefit from this.”